Snow thrower with joystick

ABSTRACT

A cordless electric snow thrower is disclosed having a separate and distinct battery housing containing a battery being positioned on a handle of the cordless snow thrower. The cordless snow thrower may include an electronic controller that allows a user to rotate a chute of the cordless snow thrower to alter a direction in which snow is thrown. The cordless snow thrower may also include a light that provides sufficient light to allow the user to use the cordless snow thrower at night to clear snow. The placement of the battery housing provides balance to the cordless snow thrower and allows power to be provided to all of the electronic devices and components of the cordless snow thrower.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/934,410, filed Jul. 3, 2013, entitled Cordless Snow Thrower, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices for removing snow and other debris from driveways, sidewalks, decks, and other areas.

BACKGROUND

In general, during the winter months certain geographic areas experience colder temperatures and snowfall. During and after periods of snowfall, driveways, sidewalks, decks, and other areas may be coated or covered with varying amounts of snow and ice. Currently there are a number of snow throwers that can be used to remove snow and ice from surfaces. However, most snow throwers have a gasoline powered motor, which requires certain maintenance and procedures to be performed if the snow thrower is to be stored for long periods of time. For example, oil may need to be changed and/or drained, and any gasoline remaining in the gas tank of the snow thrower may need to be removed or stabilized prior to storage.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to a cordless electric snow thrower having a battery disposed in a battery housing, separate from a main housing, positioned on a handle of the cordless snow thrower. The cordless snow thrower may include an electronic controller that allows a user to rotate a chute of the cordless snow thrower to alter a direction in which snow is thrown. The cordless snow thrower may also include a light that provides sufficient light to allow the user to use the cordless snow thrower at night to clear snow. The placement of the battery and battery housing, separate from the main housing, provides balance to the cordless snow thrower and allows power to be provided to the electronic devices of the cordless snow thrower.

In an embodiment, a snow thrower is disclosed including a frame, a main housing coupled to the frame and having an inlet cavity, and a handle portion coupled to the frame opposite the main housing. An auger assembly is disposed in the main housing and extends across the inlet cavity for cutting through and directing snow through the snow thrower, for example out of a chute. An electric motor is disposed in the main housing and coupled to the auger assembly to rotate the auger assembly. A battery housing is coupled to the handle portion, and a battery is disposed in the battery housing and electrically connected to the electric motor to supply power or voltage to the electric motor. A switch may be electrically connected to the battery and the electric motor to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the electric motor.

The snow thrower also includes a wheel axle coupled to the frame between the main housing and the handle portion, and wheels coupled to ends of the wheel axle. In an embodiment, the battery housing and the main housing are positioned on opposite sides of a pivot point formed by the wheel axle. This provides balance to the snow thrower.

The chute may be coupled to the main housing over an outlet aperture in the main housing. The chute may be coupled to a chute motor that is disposed in the main housing and adapted to rotate the chute with respect to the main housing. A control member may also be electrically connected to the battery and the chute motor to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the chute motor to rotate the chute.

A light may be disposed on the handle portion and electrically connected to the battery. A light switch may also be electrically connected to the light and adapted to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the light.

The handle may have a gripping portion for an operator to grasp on an end opposite the frame. A control housing may be coupled to the handle portion proximal to the gripping portion, and house the switch for controlling the electric motor, the control member or joystick for controlling the chute motor, and the light switch for controlling the light.

In an embodiment, a method of assembling the show thrower is disclosed. In general, the method includes coupling a main housing having an inlet cavity to a frame, coupling a handle portion having a gripping portion to the frame opposite the main housing, disposing an auger assembly in the main housing and extending across the inlet cavity, coupling an electric motor to the auger assembly for rotating the auger assembly, and coupling a battery housing to the handle portion between the frame and the gripping portion. The coupling of the battery housing to the handle portion may include coupling the battery housing to the handle portion on an opposite side of a pivot point formed by a wheel axle coupled to the frame with respect to the main housing.

A chute motor may be coupled to the chute for rotating the chute with respect to the main housing. A control member may be coupled to the chute motor for activation and deactivation of voltage flow to the chute motor. Further, a light and light switch may be coupled to the snow thrower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of a cordless snow thrower is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 4 illustrates a third-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sixth-side elevation view of the cordless snow thrower; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of components of the cordless snow thrower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of cordless snow throwers for removing snow and other debris from driveways, sidewalks, decks, and other areas are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the device, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

A cordless electric snow thrower is disclosed having a battery disposed in a battery housing, separate from a main housing, positioned on a handle of the cordless snow thrower. The cordless snow thrower may include an electronic controller that allows a user to rotate a chute of the cordless snow thrower to alter a direction in which snow is thrown. The cordless snow thrower may also include a light that provides sufficient light to allow the user to use the cordless snow thrower at night to clear snow. The placement of the battery and battery housing, separate from the main housing, provides balance to the cordless snow thrower and allows power to be provided to all of the electronic devices of the cordless snow thrower.

A cordless snow thrower 100 according to an illustrative embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. As illustrated, the cordless snow thrower 100 includes a frame 102 having a wheel axle 104 (as illustrated in FIG. 3) coupled to the frame. The wheel axle 104 rotates with respect to the frame 102 and wheels 106 are coupled to opposite ends of the wheel axle 104 using means known in the art, for example, threaded nuts, cotter pins and other known means.

A main housing 108 is also coupled to the frame 102. In an illustrative embodiment, the main housing 108 houses an electric motor and an rotor or auger assembly. The auger assembly may include a rotor shaft 110 that extends across the main housing 108. The rotor shaft 110 is coupled at a first end to the electric motor and rotated by the electric motor. A second end of the rotor shaft 110 may be rotatably coupled to the main housing 108 or a bracket of the main housing 108, by one or more bearings. One or more blades 112 are coupled to the rotor shaft 110 for cutting through and directing snow through the cordless snow thrower 100. As illustrated there are four (4) blades 112, however, more than four or less than four blades may be used.

The electric motor may be a brushless DC motor or other type of motor capable of rotating the rotor or auger assembly. The one or more blades 112 may be made of any suitable material, for example, steel or other metal, plastic or polymers, and other materials. In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more blades 112 may include a rubber-coating or other flexible material coating on tips of the blades 112 to reduce damage to a surface being cleared of snow or other debris.

As illustrated, the main housing 108 includes an inlet cavity 114 having an inlet opening 116 for receiving snow and other debris to be cleared. In one embodiment, the inlet opening 116 may be about 18 inches in length in a horizontal direction and about 10 inches in length in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the inlet opening 116 may be large or smaller. The inlet cavity 114 is designed to direct snow and other debris toward an outlet chute 118 coupled to the housing. The one or more blades 112 of the auger assembly are located in the inlet cavity 114 and cut and throw the snow and other debris out of the chute 118. In an illustrative embodiment, snow and other debris is thrown out of the chute 118 up to about 20 feet, however, the snow and other debris may be thrown more or less than 20 feet.

In an illustrative embodiment, the housing includes an outlet opening 120 (as illustrated in FIG. 6) disposed on a top portion of the main housing 108. The chute 118 is disposed over the outlet opening 120 and directs the snow and other debris being thrown out of the main housing 108. As illustrated, the chute 118 includes a substantially cylindrical and hollow tube portion 122 that is coupled to the main housing 108 and a substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 that is coupled to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 at an end opposite the main housing 108.

The substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 rotates with respect to the main housing 108 around a vertical axis extending through a center of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. In an embodiment, the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 rotates about 180 degrees, however, in other embodiments, the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 may rotate more or less than 180 degrees. The substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 rotates with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 around an axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis.

In an illustrative embodiment, the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 includes one or more teeth that mate with corresponding teeth on the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 at an attachment point 126 or point of coupling of the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. The teeth allow the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 to be positioned at varying angles with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 by loosening and tightening fasteners 128.

In an illustrative embodiment, a handle portion 130 is coupled to the frame portion 102 at an end opposite the main housing 108 and extends in a direction substantially away from the main housing 108. As illustrated, the handle portion 130 includes a first member 132 and a second member 134 that are coupled to the frame portion 102 by fasteners 136, which may be for example, nuts and bolts, cotter pins, screws, or other known fasteners. As illustrated, the fasteners 136 are substantially “J” shaped. This coupling of the handle portion 130 to the frame portion 102 may allow a user of the cordless snow thrower 100 to uncouple the handle portion 130 from the frame portion 102 or rotate the handle portion 130 for storing or transporting the cordless snow thrower 100 when not in use.

The handle portion 130 may also include first and second extension portions 138 and 140, respectively. The first extension portion 138 is coupled to the first member 132 opposite the frame portion 102, and the second extension portion 140 is coupled to the second member 134 opposite the frame portion 102.

A gripping portion 142 may also be coupled to an end of the handle portion 130 opposite the frame portion 102. As illustrated, the gripping portion 142 is coupled to ends of the first and second extension portions 138 and 140, respectively, opposite the first and second members 132 and 134, respectively. The gripping portion 142 extends between and connects the first and second extension portions 138 and 140, respectively. The gripping portion 142 may be ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable operating point for an operator or user of the cordless snow thrower 100.

One or more angular adjustments 144 may also be positioned between the gripping portion 142 and the point of coupling of the handle portion 130 to the frame portion 102 to allow a user to adjust the angular position of the first and second extension portions 138 and 140, respectively, and the gripping portion 142.

In an illustrative embodiment, there are two angular adjustments 144, one corresponding to the first member 132 of the handle portion 130 and another corresponding to the second member 134 of the handle portion 130. Only one of the angular adjustments is described below, however it should be understood that the other angular adjustment is substantially similar and merely couples to the second member 134.

As illustrated, the angular adjustment 144 includes a first portion 146 coupled to the first member 132 having first teeth 148 (as illustrated in FIG. 3), and a second portion 150 coupled to the first extension portion 138 having mating second teeth 152 (as illustrated in FIG. 3). The first and second teeth 148 and 152 of the first and second portions 146 and 150, respectively, of the angular adjustment 144 mate with one another to allow adjustment of the position of the gripping portion 142.

The angular adjustments 144 may also include a latch 154. The latch 154 when positioned in a latching position (as illustrated in FIG. 1) compresses the first portion 146 and the second portion 150 of the angular adjustment 144 together. To adjust the angular position, the latch 154 is moved to an unlatched position, which allows the first portion 146 and the second portion 150 to rotate with respect to one another. Thus, to adjust the angular position, a user merely positions the latch 154 in the unlatched position, rotates the first portion 146 and the second portion 150 with respect one another to a desired position, and positions the latch 144 in the latched position causing the first and second teeth 148 and 152 of the first and second portions 146 and 150 to engage each other and hold the desired position.

In some embodiments, the handle portion 130 may be a single monolithically formed piece that includes the first member 132, the second member 134, the first extension portion 138, the second extension portion 140, and the gripping portion 142.

A battery housing 156, separate and distinct from the main housing 108, is coupled to the handle portion 130 between the gripping portion 142 and the point of coupling of the handle portion 130 to the frame portion 102. As illustrated, the battery housing 156 is coupled to the handle portion 130 between the point of coupling of the handle portion 130 to the frame portion 102 and the angular adjustment(s) 144 of the handle portion 130. However, the battery housing 156 may be coupled to the handle portion 130 at varying locations along the handle portion 130.

The battery housing 156 is disposed on an opposite side of a pivot point extending through the wheel axle 104 from the main housing 108. This placement provides balance to the cordless snow thrower 100, and reduces the risk of the cordless snow thrower 100 falling or tipping over during use and storage. The placement of the battery housing 156 may also provide ease of tilting and maneuverability of the cordless snow thrower 100 to clear snow and other debris from a surface during operation. The placement of the battery housing 156 also allows for the electrical connection of the various electrical devices of the cordless snow thrower 100, which are located at different positions on the cordless snow thrower 100, for example, the electrical motor(s), the start switch 164 (illustrated in FIG. 4), the control member 168, the light switch 174, etc.

In an illustrative embodiment, the battery housing 156 includes brackets 158 that couple the battery housing 156 to opposing parts, for example, the first and second members 132 and 134 of the handle portion 130. The battery housing 156 may be constructed of any suitable material, for example, plastics, polymers, metals, and other materials. The battery housing 156 protects and shields the components housed in the battery housing 156 from damage and contact with water, snow, dust and other environmental related factors.

In an illustrative embodiment, the battery housing 156 houses one or more batteries capable of powering the cordless snow thrower 100. In one embodiment, the battery is a forty volt (40 V) rechargeable Lithium Ion battery having about 2.2 to about 4.4 ampere hour (Ah). However, it should be appreciated that other batteries may be used that are sufficient to power the cordless snow thrower 100.

The battery housing 156 may house electrical components and circuitry for electrically connecting and providing power to the electrical devices of the cordless snow thrower 100. For example, the battery housing 156 may include one or more switches, switchboards, actuators such as solenoids, resistors, capacitors, conductors, electrical busses, or other electrical components. The battery housing 156 may include a battery power indicator disposed on an outer surface of the battery housing 156. For example, the battery housing 156 may include indicator lights, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), that indicate to the operator or user a level of power remaining in the battery. The battery housing 156 may also include one or more electrical connections for electrically connecting additional electrical devices to the cordless snow thrower 100. For example, the battery housing 156 may include one or more electrical connections for electrically connecting a horn, additional lights, audio components, or other electrical devices.

In an embodiment, the battery housing 156 includes a power inlet port electrically connected to the battery. The power inlet port receives a corresponding wired power connector that electrically connects to an external power source, for example, a wall outlet, for charging the battery. In another embodiment, the battery is removable from the battery housing 156 and electrically connects to a wired power charging station that electrically connects to an external power source for charging the battery. In some embodiments, both charging options may be incorporated into the cordless snow thrower 100. For example, the battery housing 156 may include the power inlet port and the battery may be removable from the battery housing 156 for charging. In one embodiment, the battery takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge when the battery is a 2.2 Ah battery, and about 3 hours to fully charge when the battery is a 4.4 Ah battery.

The battery provides power to the electric motor that operates the auger assembly. The electric motor is electrically connected to the battery through one or more electrical connections, for example, wiring 160 extending into the main housing 108 and to the electric motor. In an aspect, the wiring 160 may be included in or extend along at least a portion of an interior of the handle 130.

A control housing 162 is coupled to the handle portion 130 proximal to the gripping portion 142 to allow an operator or user to easily access the control housing 162 during operation of the cordless snow thrower 100. In an illustrative embodiment, the control housing 162 houses a start switch 164 (as illustrated in FIG. 4) that is accessible by the user through an aperture of the control housing 162.

An activation member 166 is coupled to the start switch 164 and extends through the control housing 162 and along at least a portion of the gripping portion 142. The start switch 164 and activation member 166 are electrically connected to the battery and the electric motor, for example, through wiring 160 extending from the control housing 162. The start switch 164 and activation member 166 cooperate with one another to control the flow of power from the battery to the electric motor that controls the auger assembly. For example, a user may push the start switch 164 and hold the activation member 166 adjacent the gripping member 142 to cause power to be supplied to the electric motor and rotate the auger blade(s) 112.

In an illustrative embodiment, the main housing 108 also houses an electric motor that rotates the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 with respect to the main housing 108. The electric motor may also rotate the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. The electric chute motor is electrically connected to the battery, for example through wiring 160. In this embodiment, the control housing 162 also houses a control member 168, for example, illustrated as a joystick, that extends from the control housing 162. The control member 168 is electrically connected to the battery and the electric chute motor, for example, through wiring 160. The control member 168 controls the rotation of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 with respect to the main housing 108 allowing a user to manipulate a direction snow is being thrown by the cordless snow thrower 100. For example, movement of the control member 168 or joystick in a rightward direction may cause the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 to rotate in a rightward direction with respect to the main housing 108, and movement of the control member 168 in a leftward direction may cause the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 to rotate in a leftward direction with respect to the main housing 108.

A motor electrically connected to the battery may also be included in the housing 108 that rotates the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. The control member 168 or joystick may also be electrically connected to this motor to control the rotation of the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. For example, movement of the joystick in an upward direction may cause the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 to rotate in an upward direction with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122, and movement of the joystick in a downward direction may cause the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 to rotate in a downward direction with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122.

In an illustrative embodiment, a light 170 may be coupled to the handle portion 130 proximal to the gripping portion 142. As illustrated, the light 170 is coupled to an opposing portion of the handle portion 130 with respect to the control housing 162, however, the light 170 and the control housing 162 may be positioned in other locations on the handle portion 130 or on another portion of the cordless snow thrower 100, such as the main housing 108. The light 170 may also include a pivotable and/or rotatable joint 172 to allow the light 170 to pivot and/or rotate with respect to the handle portion 130 to allow the user or operator to position the light in a desired direction. The light 170 allows for the use and operation of the cordless snow thrower 100 when daylight or ambient light is low. The light 170 is electrically connected to the battery through wiring 160 extending from the light 170. The light may be any suitable light source, for example, a halogen light or other type of light.

A light on/off switch 174 may be electrically connected to the light 170. As illustrated, the light switch 174 is disposed on and housed by the control housing 162 and electrically connected to the light through wiring 160. The wiring 160 electrically connects the light 170, the light switch 174, and the battery, to allow the user to turn the light 170 on and off. In this manner, the user can turn or leave the light 170 in an off position to conserve battery power when the cordless snow thrower 100 is being used in daylight.

In an illustrative embodiment, the main housing 108 may include a first handle 176 disposed on a top portion of the main housing 108 for carrying, lifting, and moving the cordless snow thrower 100 when it is not being operated or used. The substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 may include a second handle 178 for use by the operator or user in manually rotating the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122.

A functional block diagram of electrical devices and components of the cordless snow thrower 100 is described with reference to FIG. 8. As illustrated, a battery 180, which is disposed in the battery housing 156, is electrically connected to the start switch 164, the activation member 166, the control member 168, the light switch 174, the light 170, a first motor 182, and optionally one or more additional motors 184.

The first motor 182 is disposed in the main housing 108 and may control the rotor or auger assembly by rotating the rotor shaft 110. The start switch 164 and the activation member 166 may control activation of power being supplied to the first motor 182. For example, upon an operator activating the start switch 164 and the activation member 166, voltage may be supplied from the battery 180 to the first motor 182. Similarly, upon release of the activation member 166 by the operator, voltage supplied from the battery 180 to the first motor 182 may be deactivated or turned off.

The first motor 182 may also control the rotation of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 with respect to the main housing 108 and/or the rotation of the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122. Alternatively, one or more additional motors 184 may be disposed in the main housing 108 and control the rotation of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 with respect to the main housing 108 and/or the rotation of the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122.

The control member 168 may control activation of power being supplied to the first motor 182 or the one or more additional motors 184 to move the chute. For example, in response to the operator moving the control member 168, voltage may be supplied from the battery 180 to the first motor 182 or the one or more additional motors 184 and the substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 or the substantially semi-circular tube portion 124 may rotate.

The light 170 may be controlled by the light switch 174. For example, in response to the operator placing the light switch 174 in an on position, voltage may be supplied from the battery 180 to the light 170. Similarly, in response to the operator placing the light switch 174 in an off position, voltage supplied from the battery 180 to the light 170 may be deactivated or turned off.

As described above, one or more electrical components, for example, switches, switchboards, actuators such as solenoids, resistors, capacitors, conductors, electrical busses, or other electrical components may be included in the battery housing 156 or the main housing 108 and electrically connected to the battery 180 and/or one or more of the electrical devices of the cordless snow thrower 100.

The electrical devices and other electrical components may be electrically connected or wired in a number of different ways known to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the electrical devices may be electrically connected through one or more electrical busses disposed in the battery housing 156. In one embodiment, the start switch 164 and the activation member 166 may be electrically connected to the battery 180 and electric motor 182 through an actuator, for example a solenoid.

Although the device has been described and illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, many variations and modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, as illustrated and described, the cordless snow thrower is a single-stage snow thrower, meaning that the snow thrower is a push drive device. However, it should be appreciated that the cordless snow thrower may be a multi-stage snow thrower and include a drive motor electrically connected to the battery to rotate the wheels.

The disclosure is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth herein as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are merely used to distinguish one element from another. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snow thrower, comprising: a frame; a main housing coupled to the frame and having an inlet cavity; an auger assembly disposed in the main housing and extending across the inlet cavity; a motor disposed in the main housing and coupled to the auger assembly, the motor adapted to rotate the auger assembly; a chute disposed over an aperture in the main housing; a handle portion coupled to the frame opposite the main housing; and a joystick coupled to the handle portion and configured to rotate the chute with respect to the main housing.
 2. The snow thrower of claim 1, further comprising a chute motor disposed in the main housing and configured to receive voltage in response to activation of the joystick and rotate the chute with respect to the main housing.
 3. The snow thrower of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
 4. The snow thrower of claim 1, further comprising: a battery housing coupled to the handle portion; and a battery disposed in the battery housing and electrically connected to the motor.
 5. The snow thrower of claim 4, wherein the joystick is electrically connected to the battery and configured to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the chute to rotate the chute with respect to the main housing.
 6. The snow thrower of claim 4, further comprising a wheel axle coupled to the frame between the main housing and the handle portion; and wheels coupled to ends of the wheel axle.
 7. The snow thrower of claim 6, wherein the battery housing and the main housing are positioned on opposite sides of a pivot point formed by the wheel axle.
 8. The snow thrower of claim 4, further comprising a switch electrically connected to the battery and the motor and adapted to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the motor.
 9. The snow thrower of claim 4, further comprising a light disposed on the handle portion and electrically connected to the battery.
 10. A snow thrower, comprising: a frame; a main housing coupled to the frame and having an inlet cavity; an auger assembly disposed in the main housing and extending across the inlet cavity; a chute disposed over an aperture in the main housing; a handle portion coupled to the frame opposite the main housing, the handle portion including a gripping portion on an end opposite the frame; a battery housing coupled to the handle portion between the frame and the gripping portion; a battery disposed in the battery housing; an electric motor disposed in the main housing and coupled to the auger assembly, the electric motor being electrically connected to the battery and configured to rotate the auger assembly; and a joystick coupled to the handle portion proximal to the gripping portion, the joystick electrically connected to the battery and configured to rotate the chute with respect to the main housing.
 11. The snow thrower of claim 10, further comprising a chute motor disposed in the main housing and configured to receive voltage in response to activation of the joystick and rotate the chute with respect to the main housing.
 12. The snow thrower of claim 10, wherein the chute includes: a substantially cylindrical tube portion coupled to the main housing over the aperture in the main housing; and a substantially semi-circular tube portion coupled to the substantially cylindrical tube portion at an end opposite the main housing.
 13. The snow thrower of claim 12, wherein the joystick is configured to rotate the substantially cylindrical tube portion with respect to the main housing.
 14. The snow thrower of claim 13, wherein movement of the joystick in a rightward direction causes the substantially cylindrical tube portion to rotate in a clockwise direction with respect to the main housing, and movement of the joystick in a leftward direction causes the substantially cylindrical tube portion to rotate in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the main housing.
 15. The snow thrower of claim 12, wherein the joystick is configured to rotate the substantially semi-circular tube portion with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion.
 16. The snow thrower of claim 15, wherein movement of the joystick in an forward direction causes the substantially semi-circular tube portion to rotate in an upward direction with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion, and movement of the joystick in a rearward direction causes the substantially semi-circular tube portion to rotate in a downward direction with respect to the substantially cylindrical tube portion.
 17. The snow thrower of claim 10, further comprising a light disposed on the handle portion proximal to the gripping portion and electrically connected to the battery.
 18. The snow thrower of claim 17, further comprising a light switch coupled to the handle portion proximal to the gripping portion and electrically connected to the light and adapted to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the light.
 19. The snow thrower of claim 10, further comprising a switch disposed on the handle portion proximal to the gripping portion and electrically connected to the battery and the electric motor.
 20. The snow thrower of claim 19, wherein the switch is configured to activate and deactivate voltage flow from the battery to the electric motor. 